One of Zimbabwe’s largest low-cost housing projects is finally set to enter the construction phase this year, ending nearly a decade of delays that have stalled the delivery of more than 2 000 residential stands in Hwange.
Hwange Local Board’s Empumalanga West Housing Project, launched in 2014 — has long been cited as a critical intervention to ease the district’s housing shortage.
After years of slow progress, Phase I is now scheduled to be handed over to beneficiaries before the end of the year, allowing building works to begin.
HLB town secretary, Ndumiso Mdlalose (pictured), said the long-awaited progress brings renewed hope to thousands of low-income clients who have spent years waiting for development to resume.
“As council, we are pleased to see progress taking shape at Empumalanga West,” he said.
“The project stands as one of the country’s key milestones in advancing government’s housing delivery agenda and significantly contributes to reducing our housing backlog.”
Under the project, 2,145 residential stands are expected to be serviced, with some beneficiaries to be reallocated from areas deemed unsuitable for construction.
The Ministry of Housing and Social Amenities is supervising the revived development, which has recently recorded notable milestones.
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Beneficiaries have procured glass-reinforced polymer (GRP) pipes for Phase I, enabling the completion of the sewer reticulation system — a major requirement before houses can be built.
GRP pipes are known for their corrosion resistance, durability and long service life, attributes that council officials say make them a cost-effective option for large infrastructure projects.
Council has also finalised a new layout plan for the settlement, clearing the way for a partial development certificate that will officially open the project for construction.
Mdlalose said HLB continues to lobby the ministry to speed up final approvals, citing the project’s potential to stimulate Local Economic Development (LED) through construction jobs, increased demand for services and improved settlement planning.
“We are constantly engaging the Ministry, urging them to expedite the completion of the project given its immense economic potential,” he added.
“At the same time, we are deeply grateful for the commitment shown by beneficiaries in working towards the project’s successful completion,” he added.
